THEME & ITINERARY
This walk examines the French influence on London, British politics, and the British monarchy. London is the seventh largest French conurbation in the world with a French-speaking population of over 300,000. French is also spoken by a sizeable proportion of the UK's population, the most popular foreign language. And did you know the name Great Britain stems directly from the need to distinguish it from French Britanny?

Of course, Britain and France are neighbours – and like neighbours sometimes they argue, sometimes they try to out-do each other, but in times of trouble they often help each other out. The London HQ of Charles de Gaulle is visited to demonstrate the stresses and strains of this relationship during World War II.

The walk then takes a turn through the capital’s corridors of power, established under French sway after 1066. It was then that William of Normandy was crowned in Westminster Abbey and decreed French the language of the royal court. The British aristocracy is, we find out, originally descended from Norman blood.

Then we move north to the historical French enclave of Soho. Large numbers of British people descend from the Huguenots, or French Protestants, who in the 16th and 17th centuries fled religious persecution across the channel and settled around here. One luminary at the time spoke of Soho: ‘Abounding with so many French so that it was easy for a stranger to imagine himself in France’.

Next we view the French Protestant Church, London’s only surviving Huguenot church, founded in the mid-16th century under King Edward VI. The London obsession with French cuisine is discussed using one of the capital's most renowned restaurants as an example. Plenty of other French connections come into play. At the end of the walk there is an option to visit the famous pub known as The French House, which served as a centre for French Resistance during World War Two.

You will be escorted personally on your walk by an officially qualified Blue Badge London guide. At the end of the walk there's an option to visit the National Gallery to see some of the finest French Impressionist paintings, many with London as their subject.

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BOOKING POLICY AND NOTES:• Bookings are dealt with on a one-to-one basis via e-mail only.
• To secure your preferred date we recommend booking well in advance.
• We do not accept bookings with less than 72 hours notice.
• All tours subject to availability. Booking will not go ahead until availability is confirmed.
• Tour is not guaranteed to go ahead until 100% of payment is received.
• We do not usually pre-book tickets for attractions. We recommended these are paid
&nbsp for at the gate on the day. In circumstances where pre-booking is the only option for
&nbsp attractions, tickets must be paid for in advance and are non-refundable.
• Administration fees may be added for extensive itineraries or advance ticket booking.
• We do not arrange flights, accommodation, travel tickets or tickets for special events.
• For full policies, terms & conditions click here.

HOW THE WALKING TOUR WORKS:

● Important note: This is a private walk for families or groups (up to 20). We do not offer options for individuals to join existing groups. Groups 21+ require additional guides.

● Dates: We recommend early booking to secure your preferred date. Dates subject to availability of guides and access.

● The guide: The walking tour will be conducted by a fully accredited & qualified guide who will confirm your itinerary and provide a friendly, knowledgeable commentary.

● Meet: The guide will meet your group outside St Paul's London underground station. Please do not block public access or exits while waiting for your walking tour to start.

● Timings: The duration of this walking tour is 2 hours approx. Start anytime after 10.00. Access to some areas may be restricted in late evenings/weekends.

● Health & Safety: Clients should be in reasonable health for a 2-hour walking tour. Clients are responsible for own safety when crossing roads, climbing steps, etc.

● Clothing: Clients should dress appropriately for a 2-hour walking tour making allowances for the changeable British weather.

● Format: Specially researched and designed by our staff (copyright applies). Exclusive to Your London Tours & associates. Walks may be combined with London driving tours.

● General: All our walking tours are tailored to YOUR requirements. The guide will be exclusively dedicated to your family or group during the walk itself, so relax and enjoy.